Research Area 9: Advanced Missile Propulsion Technologies

The objective of this work is to investigate Advanced Missile Propulsion Technologies such as the following topics: Propellant Formulations, Grain Structures, Case Technologies, Ignition Safety
Devices (ISD) Concepts, Nozzle Technologies (Non-eroding, Pintle and Aerospike) and Multi-Pulse Motor Barriers. As missile systems get smaller, fitting the same or more complex functionality into
these airframes becomes a significant challenge. Existing ignition safety device (ISD) solutions are purpose-built to meet the unique functional and interface requirements for larger air-to-air missile systems. RWIA is interested in an open architecture ISD system designed (IAW MIL-STD-1901A) to support future compact air-to-air missile systems. RWIA is interested in scalable technology in both physical size and ignition power requirements. 

Advancements in propellant formulations and grain structures are key to the amount of energy
available and the efficient use of that energy. RWIA is interested in high performance propellant
formulation that range from no-smoke to fully smoky propellants. To be included are not just the
formulation, but also the processing of any advance formulations and grain structure designs. As an
example, RWIA is interested in understanding the impacts to both formulation and grain design if
traditional USAF standards were relaxed.

RWIA is interested in technologies that are able to maintain the operating pressures of a rocket motor
while reducing mass to increase the performance, as well as non-eroding throat technology utilizing
advanced material (metallic inserts, ceramics, etc.) able to perform in severe environments such as high stagnation temperatures and pressures, abrasive propellants (high aluminum content) and high
stress/strain. 

RWIA is additionally interested in pintle technology that would decrease the associated parasitic
mass and improve motor performance; aerospike technology that can maximize CAS volume,
increase performance and increase TRL; and scalable technology to reduce parasitic weight caused by multi-pulse thermal barriers and associated ignition systems.